Life at sea is rewarding, but it can also bring unique challenges. That’s why creating an environment where crew members feel supported, connected and able to look after their physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing remains a priority on board.
Recent initiatives on Aurora have highlighted the many ways wellbeing is being supported across the ship, from enhancing onboard facilities to welcoming organisations dedicated to caring for seafarers around the world.
Supporting crew through welfare and pastoral care
Representatives from the Seamen’s Mission visited the ship, sharing information about welfare services available to crew members both at sea and ashore, as well as providing free literature. Crew members also welcomed visits from Stella Maris Port Chaplains Luke and Gregory, who offered practical assistance, spiritual guidance and pastoral support. Alongside distributing literature, rosaries, medallions and chocolates, they made affordable SIM cards available to help crew members stay connected with family and friends back home.
Stella Maris also celebrated Holy Mass on board, providing an opportunity for prayer, reflection and encouragement. Afterwards, crew members gathered in the crew mess, where the chaplain spent time offering guidance and fellowship. The ship also welcomed representatives from The Mission to Seafarers, who distributed welfare items including SIM cards, hats, rosaries and literature while sharing information about the many ways the charity supports seafarers worldwide.
Together, these visits served as a meaningful reminder that crew members are part of a wider community that cares deeply about their wellbeing, providing practical, emotional and spiritual support while they are away from home.
Investing in health and wellbeing
Wellbeing is not only about emotional and spiritual support. It is also about creating opportunities for crew members to look after their physical health.
Aurora recently celebrated the reopening of its Crew Gym following a significant refurbishment project driven directly by feedback received through the Life Onboard and Facilities surveys. The refurbishment demonstrates the value of crew feedback and the positive changes it can help deliver. Enhancements included improved head clearance, new flooring and panelling, relocated lighting and electrical fittings, repositioned equipment and the installation of new mirrors.
The reopening was marked by a special ribbon-cutting ceremony involving Aurora’s Core Values and SHINE Award winners, members of the Senior Management Team, the Technical team and the Hotel Operations team. A special thank you goes to Aecor Marine for their support throughout the renovation project, and to the Hotel Operations team for ensuring crew members could continue accessing the guest gym while the refurbishment was underway.
The transformed facility now provides a modern and welcoming space where crew members can stay active and support their overall wellbeing.
Time to relax and recharge
Wellbeing is also about taking time to rest, recharge and create positive experiences with colleagues. During a visit to Iceland, crew members had the opportunity to enjoy an excursion to the world-famous Blue Lagoon. The experience provided a welcome chance to unwind, spend time together and enjoy a break from life on board.
The excursion was warmly received and highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for relaxation, connection and personal wellbeing.
Wellbeing in all its forms
Whether it’s helping crew stay connected with loved ones, providing spiritual guidance and pastoral support, creating opportunities to stay active, or making time to relax and recharge, these initiatives all share a common purpose: supporting the wellbeing of our crew.
A huge thank you to the organisations, teams and individuals who continue to support life on board. Together, they’re helping to create an environment where every crew member feels valued, supported and cared for.